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The Triumphant Journey of Repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"

David Baldacci

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Published in Mission Possible: The Story Of Repealing Don T Ask Don T Tell

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The Discriminatory Policy's Genesis

In November 1993, President Bill Clinton signed into law the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) policy, a compromise measure intended to allow LGBTQ+ individuals to serve in the military while maintaining the status quo of banning openly gay and lesbian service members. This policy was the result of intense debates and political maneuvering, and its implementation was met with mixed reactions from both the LGBTQ+ community and the military establishment.

DADT was based on the premise that allowing LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly would undermine unit cohesion and readiness. However, numerous studies and anecdotal evidence contradicted this assumption, demonstrating that LGBTQ+ service members were just as capable and dedicated as their heterosexual counterparts.

Mission Possible: The Story of Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

by C. Dixon Osburn

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Movement for Repeal

From its inception, DADT faced opposition from LGBTQ+ rights advocates, who argued that it was discriminatory and violated the principle of equal opportunity in the armed forces. In 2010, the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network (SLDN),along with several other organizations, launched a legal challenge against the policy, contending that it was unconstitutional.

Simultaneously, a grassroots movement emerged, spearheaded by LGBTQ+ military veterans and allies. They organized rallies, wrote to their elected representatives, and shared their personal stories to raise awareness about the harmful effects of DADT. The media played a crucial role in amplifying these voices and educating the public about the discriminatory nature of the policy.

Political Crossroads

In 2011, the Obama administration announced its support for repealing DADT. This announcement was met with resistance from some conservative lawmakers and military leaders, who maintained that the policy was necessary for maintaining order and discipline.

The debate over DADT reached a fever pitch in September 2011, when the Senate voted to include a repeal provision in the annual Defense Authorization Bill. However, the inclusion of the repeal was met with a filibuster from Republican senators, who argued that it had not been adequately studied and could jeopardize military effectiveness.

A Historic Compromise

In the face of the filibuster, a bipartisan group of senators worked to find a compromise. The resulting compromise, known as the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Act of 2010," would allow LGBTQ+ individuals to serve openly in the military, but only after a one-year period of study and certification by the Secretary of Defense.

The compromise act passed the Senate with a vote of 65 to 31, and the House of Representatives followed suit with a vote of 250 to 175. President Obama signed the act into law on December 22, 2010, marking a historic victory for LGBTQ+ rights.

Transition to Equality

The one-year study period mandated by the repeal act commenced in January 2011. The study examined the potential impact of repealing DADT on unit cohesion, readiness, and recruitment. In June 2011, the Secretary of Defense certified that the study had been completed and that the military was ready for the repeal to take effect.

On September 20, 2011, DADT was officially repealed. LGBTQ+ individuals were now able to serve openly in the military without fear of discrimination or discharge. The transition to equality was not without challenges, but the military adapted well to the change.

Legacy of Repeal

The repeal of DADT was a landmark achievement for LGBTQ+ rights in the United States. It demonstrated the power of activism, political compromise, and the transformative nature of societal attitudes.

Since the repeal, LGBTQ+ individuals have served openly and honorably in all branches of the military. They have made significant contributions to the defense of our nation, and their presence has enriched the diversity and strength of our armed forces.

The legacy of DADT's repeal extends beyond the military. It has served as a catalyst for broader societal acceptance of LGBTQ+ people and a reminder of the importance of fighting for equality and inclusion.

The journey to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" was a complex and challenging one, but it ultimately culminated in a triumph for justice and equality. The repeal of DADT stands as a testament to the power of activism, political will, and the unwavering belief in the dignity of all people.

Mission Possible: The Story of Repealing Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

by C. Dixon Osburn

5 out of 5